Greetings,

Here's another question about education worth/value that I am sure you've heard discussed before.

The facts:
I'm 26 and a Systems Programmer. I have very little experience. I currently make a little less than $40 grand/year. I enjoy my job as a Unix systems admin, but I much rather get into software design and development.

I have a BA in English. I have never taken a CIS course.

I'm single.

I don't feel like spending a ton of money and about 4 years to get a Masters degree in CIS, which is within my reach with some hard work. However, having a Master's degree in CIS would certainly open up a lot of doors for me. And I would be making really good money.

I also can try to get a certificate. I was thinking of the Columbia University CTA program.

My goals:
I enjoy Web development. I've worked as a Web programmer, but like system administration I also don't want to do that for the rest of my life either. I am really thinking of dipping my feet into the (non-Web) software engineering and development arena, but to be perfectly honest I am not too sure what I will find there. It sounds exciting. I love to program.

I feel that my education is decent, but I also feel that having a little more on my resume wouldn't hurt. I know that some of you think that experience is the most important thing in a job candidate, but . . . If I'm going to continue on my IT journey, I know that I would want to put myself in the best possible situation.

Anyway, I was hoping that I could get some insight from any of you. Thanks monks!

In reply to Educational opportunities by Anonymous Monk

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